Foraging space requirements

[Mshafer01]

I cant seem to find the info I need online so I'm turning to the experts here . I have 4 ducks right now but I'm adding 5 ducks and 1 goose in april. I have a 64sq ft night time coop and a 300 sq ft run for them when the weather is bad. Not counting those. Is 2500 sq ft enough foraging space for 9 ducks and 1 goose. I can make it bigger, I just want my babies to be happy and healthy.

 

[Yardmom]

It is a good amount of space for them to move around. Just want to make sure you realize no matter how much space you give domestic ducks they will need supplemental food.

 

[Mshafer01]

Sure thing. They get mazuri feed twice a day plus peas, mealworms, brewers yeast, blueberries, kale etc as supplements. Just wanted to make sure that was enough space for them to be happy

 

[KathiQuacks]

Unrelated, but please get more than 1 goose. Ducks do not have the same behaviors nor the same language as geese. Your goose would be happier with at least 1 other goose friend.

 

[Mshafer01]

I am getting another goose but I want them to bond with the ducks so I'm getting 1 goose and 3 ducks and when they are 8 weeks old getting another goose and 2 ducks. That way the geese don't form their own click and stay too far away from the ducks

 

[ruthhope]

I cant seem to find the info I need online so I'm turning to the experts here . I have 4 ducks right now but I'm adding 5 ducks and 1 goose in April. I have a 64sq ft night time coop and a 300 sq ft run for them when the weather is bad. Not counting those. Is 2500 sq ft enough foraging space for 9 ducks and 1 goose. I can make it bigger, I just want my babies to be happy and healthy.

Your coop is fine -- ducks need 4sq feet each overnight. My son had to confine his ducks in a run as a husky from down the road gets out and came and attacked his ducks [climbing over the 4ft fence to the back yard.] Knowing the dog would be back, he bought a strong 10ft x 10ft enclosure that is 6ft tall from Tractor Supply. 100 square ft for 5 ducks should be ample according to guidelines, but I was sad that they were so restricted and bought him two additional panels. Their run is now 20ft x 10ft and I am much happier! Plus, that husky came back when it got out again but couldn't get to them, so the investment was well worthwhile.

If you can increase your run to 400 sq ft for all the ducks and geese, I would be happier!!

 

[Mshafer01]

The night time coop I got from tractor supply and nothing can get in there. I bought 2 10x10 dog kennel that academy sports has for $200 a piece and connected them. I will gradually buy more of those until the 2500 sq ft is fenced. I go outside with my ducks now several times a day so they can wander with me around